Teens

What is Invisalign® Teen?

Invisalign Teen is the virtually invisible way to straighten your teen’s teeth without the restrictions that come with metal braces. Rather than wires and brackets, Invisalign® uses a series of clear, removable aligners that have been custom-made for your teen’s teeth. Your teen simply wears them over their teeth and changes them out for a new set of aligners every two weeks. Little by little, your teen’s teeth gradually shift into place, achieving that confident smile.

Is Invisalign® as effective as traditional braces?

Yes. When worn according to the recommendations of an experienced Invisalign-trained orthodontist, Invisalign Teen can be as effective as traditional braces for the most common teeth-straightening issues. Invisalign can effectively treat mild to severe cases, including underbite, overbite, overcrowding and gaps between teeth. The chances are very high your teen will be a great candidate for Invisalign. To find out for sure, locate a certified Invisalign Teen orthodontist in your area at invisalign.com/find-a-doctor and go in for a consultation.

Who is eligible for Invisalign® Teen

Invisalign can be used for teens who have erupting or erupted permanent dentition—this includes most teenagers. A trained Invisalign orthodontist should evaluate your teen’s specific dental issues to determine candidacy. If the orthodontist rejects your teen as a candidate, it is advisable to seek a second opinion, as each provider has a different level of experience treating with Invisalign. To find an experienced Invisalign orthodontist, log on to invisalign.com/find-a-doctor and look for doctors in your area with the Invisalign Teen logo. Your teen will thank you for making that extra effort!

What are some of the advantages of Invisalign® Teen over traditional braces?

If you’ve had braces yourself, you already know the issues associated with metal wires and brackets. With Invisalign, the aligners are removable, so your teen can play sports without the worry of being hit in the mouth by a ball, which can cause real damage in braces. They can also continue playing musical instruments properly, without braces getting in the way. With braces, there is a long list of foods your teen shouldn’t eat, from popcorn to apples and raw carrots. With Invisalign, there are no such restrictions. The removable aligners make it easy to brush and floss normally to maintain proper oral hygiene.

How long does Invisalign® Teen treatment take?

The average treatment time is about the same as with traditional braces, but the actual length of your teen’s treatment depends on the severity of their condition and can only be determined by your orthodontist.

Ceramic Braces

Clear ceramic braces are a new variation on the traditional system that provides a far less noticeable method of treatment. They use the same components as traditional braces — except that the brackets on the front side of the teeth are made of a translucent ceramic material that blends in with the tooth's natural color. This system has become a favorite for adults (including some well-known celebrities) because, unless you look closely, it's hard to notice they're there.

Metal Braces

There are many good reasons why time-tested metal braces remain popular — because they offer a reliable, effective and economical treatment option. In contrast to the appliances of the past, today's braces are actually smaller, lighter, and more comfortable to wear. If you want a less traditional look, you may be able to choose colorful elastics for the brackets or other modifications.

Damon Clear

More than Meets the Eye

Introducing Damon® Clear — the passive self-ligating bracket whose beauty is more than skin-deep. Damon Clear combines the look and comfort image-conscious patients demand with the strength and functionality discriminating clinicians need. Validated by multi-site in vivo studies and third-party university research, Damon Clear is more than meets the eye.